Neurological symptoms frequently occur at predictable times of day. In the Cuddapah Lab we identify the circadian and sleep mechanisms that set this timing. By pairing mechanistic work in flies with clinical data from children with neurodevelopmental disorders, we ask whether these timers are themselves therapeutic targets.
Why does sleep loss exacerbate neurological symptoms?
We are interested in learning why sleep loss increases seizure risk. We seek to understand what ties the sleep state to lethal seizures.
Why do neurological symptoms occur at certain times?
Many neurological symptoms like seizures tend to cluster at particular times of the day. We seek to identify the mechanisms increasing risk of neurological symptoms at certain times.
Is there a genetic basis to sleep/circadian dysfunction?
Our team seeks to understand if there is a genetic basis for sleep or circadian difficulties in people.